Lissy Romano

97| Cute chubby cheeks.

Lissy Romano

Today is the day I meet my godfather.

I woke up to the sound of my phone alarm and quickly got out of bed. Rushing to the bathroom, I stripped off my pajama shorts and shirt before stepping into the warm shower, letting the water soothe me as I started my day.

After completing my morning routine, I was interrupted by a knock on my door. Already dressed in black jeans, I threw on a grey hoodie and called out.

"Come inside," I said aloud, fully dressed by now. Santino slowly opened the door.

"Hi, handsome," I said, eyeing him up and down. He looked impeccable in his chic suit.

He always looked great, but today he seemed especially striking.

"Hey, Sissy Bear," he replied, making my heart melt.

"Sissy Bear? Is that a new nickname for me?" I asked, a shy smile creeping onto my face.

"Yeah, you're my Sissy Bear," he answered, pulling me into a hug. I rested my head on his chest, feeling safe and comforted.

"I love you," I said, wrapping my arms around his waist.

"I love you more, Sissy Bear," he whispered, planting a soft kiss on top of my head.

I liked that nickname.

"I love the necklace Giovanni got for you. And you look really pretty today, Lissy," he said, his hand gently rubbing my back. "Not that you don't look pretty every day, but today you look so happy. And it really suits you."

"I am happy," I replied, smiling. "I'm finally going to meet my godfather."

"I know, Lissy," he said, patting my head. "And? You're not going to say anything like the others?"

"No, baby," Santino replied softly. "I know you've been wanting to meet him. I'm going to stay by your side the entire time—not because I don't trust you, just because I want to make sure you're okay."

"Thank you," I said, hugging him tightly. "But is he really that bad?"

"I want you to meet him so you can decide for yourself," Santino answered, gently lifting my chin so I would look at him. "I know some things about him, but I don't know if he'll be what you expect. But I'll be there with you no matter what."

"What did he do? Why do they all say he's bad and dangerous?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Santino led me to my bed and we sat down together. He took my hand in his, kissing it gently before beginning to explain.

"As you know... part of our business is illegal and dangerous, right?" he asked. I nodded.

"Your godfather is involved in the same stuff. But he's deeper in it. Understand?" Santino asked, giving my hand a comforting squeeze.

I bit my lip, not fully grasping what he meant.

"You're too innocent for this world, Lissy," he continued. "That's why we're all so worried about you." He paused, taking a deep breath. "Our uncle is much closer to dangerous people than we are. His friends are criminals, and he's known for being violent with anyone who wrongs him."

"Violent? What if he..." I started to ask, but Santino cut me off gently.

"Lissy, that's why I'm staying with you. Don't worry about him—he's only violent with people who deserve it. People who steal from him or do bad things."

"That makes sense," I replied. "I just don't understand why none of our brothers explained it to me like you did."

"I think they didn't want to scare you," Santino said. "They love you so much, Sissy Bear." He smiled, and I felt my cheeks flush.

Just then, Jax woke up from his nap and started chasing his tail in his playpen. Santino and I both laughed at his antics, forgetting the tension for a moment.

"Alright, Lissy, let's go downstairs and finally meet him. Take your puppy with you," Santino said, standing up.

I scooped Jax up in my arms and followed Santino down the stairs.

"He's in there, waiting for you," Santino said, stopping just before the living room door.

"I'm scared," I murmured, setting Jax down on the floor as he scampered away.

It wasn't that I was afraid of my godfather. I was scared of whether he would like me, whether I would be a good goddaughter, and whether we would be able to bond.

"There's no need to be scared, baby," Santino reassured me. "I'm here with you, and he'll love you. I'm sure of it."

"Okay, let's do this," I said, taking a deep breath.

We entered the living room, Santino by my side. As soon as I stepped inside, I saw my brothers sitting in the room, an awkward silence hanging in the air. My gaze shifted to the man standing before me.

He stood up, towering over everyone, even taller and more muscular than my brothers. His presence was commanding, and he was dressed in a sharp black suit, just like my brothers.

For a moment, I felt small and out of place, like I didn't truly belong in this world. But then, his features clicked—he looked so much like my dad in the pictures I'd seen. In fact, they could have been twin brothers.

He stepped closer, his eyes focused on me, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Betty," he said warmly, holding his arms out to me.

"Betty," the name my mom used to call me when I was still in her womb. My brothers had told me that. And after all these years, he remembered.

I let go of Santino's arm and stepped forward, wrapping my arms around my godfather's waist. He returned the hug, and I immediately felt like I was being embraced by someone who had known my father since childhood. For the first time, I felt the kind of hug I had always wished for—a father's embrace.

He was so much bigger than me. I felt like a tiny thing in his arms, but he was careful and gentle, never threatening.

"Betty," he said, pulling back slightly to look at me. "You've grown up so much, but you still have those cute chubby cheeks and big eyes, just like when you were a little girl." He gently ran his hand through my long, wavy hair.

I couldn't believe it. This was my godfather. The man my brothers had warned me about. But he didn't seem dangerous at all. In fact, he felt safe, warm, and comforting.

I looked up at him and smiled. It was like I had found the father figure I had been longing for. Even when I met Vincenzo, I felt like he could give me a piece of the fatherly love I needed, but now, with Federico, I finally had a chance to feel truly loved by someone who knew my dad the way no one else did.

"I'm glad to finally meet you," I said softly, holding his gaze.

Federico smiled and carefully guided me to the couch, where we sat side by side. He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear gently.

As my brothers watched him closely, I let myself relax and enjoy the moment. This was what I had always wanted. A family, love, and the chance to finally understand my dad.

_________________
Vote and Comment